Health Education & Support for Lung Cancer

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen by Ashley E. Prosper

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

Disqualifiers: Lung cancer, Hemoptysis, Active cancer, others

No Placebo Group

Approved in 3 Jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial uses people who support or participate in breast and lung cancer screenings to encourage others to get screened for lung cancer. It targets patients eligible for lung cancer screening, especially those already involved in breast cancer screening. The goal is to reduce fear, stigma, and lack of awareness about lung cancer screening through education and personal interactions.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of this treatment for increasing lung cancer screening rates?

Research shows that low-dose CT (LDCT) scans are effective for lung cancer screening, as demonstrated by multiple clinical trials, including the National Lung Screening Trial. Additionally, proactive patient education and recruitment programs have been assessed to support the use of LDCT for lung cancer screening. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is low-dose CT screening for lung cancer safe for humans?

Low-dose CT (LDCT) screening for lung cancer is generally considered safe, but it can lead to additional tests if something unusual is found, which might cause stress or lead to unnecessary procedures. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

Research Team

Ashley E. Prosper

Principal Investigator

UCLA / Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for people eligible for breast (over 40 years old) and lung cancer screening (ages 50-80), regardless of smoking status. Participants can be male or female and should have a close family or friend with a history of smoking. It excludes those under the age limits, previously diagnosed with lung cancer, recent unexplained weight loss, hemoptysis, or active cancer.

Inclusion Criteria

I am either male or female.

I am over 40 and have had a breast screening.

I am between 50 and 80 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

I am under 40 and have had a breast screening.

I am younger than 50 or older than 80.

I have not had lung cancer, coughed up blood, or lost more than 15 pounds without trying in the last year.

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants access an electronic patient portal with educational materials and interact with a patient navigator. They also receive materials to share with friends and family on the benefits of breast and lung cancer screening.

2 years

Baseline, 1-year, and 2-year follow-ups

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for increased rates of lung and breast cancer screening adherence and the success of the 'sphere of influence' model.

Up to 3 years

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Utilizing Advocates and Supporters to Increase Lung Cancer Screening Rates in Eligible Participants (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial Overview The study tests if using advocates and supporters can increase lung cancer screening rates among eligible individuals. It involves health education programs, patient navigation services to guide through healthcare systems, and survey administration to gather data on psychological barriers unique to lung screening.

Participant Groups

Group I: Screening (electronic patient portal, patient navigation) Experimental Treatment 4 Interventions

Participants access an electronic patient portal with educational materials at baseline, 1- and 2-year follow-ups, and also interact with a patient navigator on study. Patients also receive materials to share with their friends/family on benefits of breast and lung cancer screening on study.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

373

Recruited

35,200+

Dr. Aparna Bhaduri

Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

Chief Medical Officer since 2024

MD

Dr. Michael A. Teitell

Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

Chief Executive Officer since 2024

MD, PhD

Findings from Research

A study involving 190 patients revealed that while most felt they understood their lung cancer screening results, only 55% actually understood what a lung nodule is, highlighting significant gaps in patient knowledge.

The development of a commonly asked questions (CAQ) information sheet, refined with input from both patients and clinicians, was found to be helpful in improving understanding of lung nodules and incidental findings, suggesting it could enhance communication between patients and healthcare providers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patient and Clinician Recommendations to Improve Communication and Understanding of Lung Cancer Screening Results. Crothers, K., Shahrir, S., Kross, EK., et al.[2023]

Lung cancer screening using low-dose CT (LDCT) has proven effective in clinical trials, including the National Lung Screening Trial, highlighting its importance in early detection.

The Lung CT Screening Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS) is recommended for all LDCT exams to improve communication of results and reduce false-positive rates, ensuring better patient care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Screening for Lung Cancer: Lexicon for Communicating With Health Care Providers. Carter, BW., Lichtenberger, JP., Wu, CC., et al.[2018]

A proactive patient education and recruitment program significantly increased the number of eligible patients for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening by 37.3%, from 150 to 206 patients.

In the prospective phase, 59.2% of eligible patients verbally agreed to screening after being contacted by a nurse navigator, highlighting the effectiveness of direct outreach in promoting LDCT screening among at-risk individuals.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Proactive Recruitment Strategy for Patient Identification for Lung Cancer Screening. Thuppal, S., Hendren, JR., Colle, J., et al.[2023]

A video-based decision aid for lung cancer screening significantly increased patients' knowledge about screening, with correct answers rising from 25.5% to 74.8% after viewing the aid, indicating its effectiveness in educating smokers.

The majority of patients (78.8%) expressed greater interest in lung cancer screening after watching the video, highlighting its potential to enhance informed decision-making among heavy smokers aged 45 to 75.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility of a patient decision aid about lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography. Volk, RJ., Linder, SK., Leal, VB., et al.[2021]

Only 10.84% of eligible individuals reported participating in low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening, indicating that while utilization rates are higher than previous estimates, they remain suboptimal.

Participation in lung cancer screening varied by sex; males with COPD and females with poorer self-reported health were more likely to participate, suggesting that targeted strategies may be needed to improve screening rates among different demographic groups.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Factors associated with low-dose CT lung cancer screening participation in a high burden state: Results from the 2017-2018 BRFSS. Sedani, AE., Ford, LA., James, SA., et al.[2022]

Annual low-radiation-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening can significantly reduce lung cancer mortality in high-risk individuals, but its implementation requires careful planning to maximize benefits and minimize harms.

The American Thoracic Society and American College of Chest Physicians provide a framework for developing LDCT screening programs, outlining essential strategies for planning, implementation, and maintenance to ensure these programs are safe, effective, and sustainable.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An official American Thoracic Society/American College of Chest Physicians policy statement: implementation of low-dose computed tomography lung cancer screening programs in clinical practice. Wiener, RS., Gould, MK., Arenberg, DA., et al.[2022]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patient and Clinician Recommendations to Improve Communication and Understanding of Lung Cancer Screening Results. [2023]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Screening for Lung Cancer: Lexicon for Communicating With Health Care Providers. [2018]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Proactive Recruitment Strategy for Patient Identification for Lung Cancer Screening. [2023]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility of a patient decision aid about lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography. [2021]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Factors associated with low-dose CT lung cancer screening participation in a high burden state: Results from the 2017-2018 BRFSS. [2022]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patient Adherence in an Academic Medical Center's Low-dose Computed Tomography Screening Program. [2023]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Characteristics and Outcomes of Lung Cancers Detected on Low-Dose Lung Cancer Screening CT. [2022]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An official American Thoracic Society/American College of Chest Physicians policy statement: implementation of low-dose computed tomography lung cancer screening programs in clinical practice. [2022]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of Imaging and Diagnostic Procedures After Low-Dose CT Screening for Lung Cancer. [2023]